In some cases, we have nasal congestion that does not go away with time, despite taking flu medication, which annoys everyone. Doctors indicate that it may be sinusitis, a disease that consists of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. It is often accompanied headache, sore throat and cough.
Sinusitis is an infection of the paranasal sinuses. “The paranasal sinuses are depressions on the face located behind the forehead, which are filled with air and connected to the nostrils by drainage holes. When they are healthy, mucus can come out and air can circulate without any problem,” says otolaryngologist Alejandro Rojas.
This disease It is characterized by the accumulation of fluid, which allows microbes to multiply. Therefore, in most cases, sinusitis is the result of an inflammatory response to a viral or bacterial infection.
The Medlineplus website states that sinusitis This can happen when the small hairs in the sinuses are unable to properly remove mucus.when a cold or allergy causes too much mucus or blocks the sinus opening when a deviated septum blocks the opening of the sinuses and when a chronic infection inflames the mucosa.
Types of sinusitis
There are acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. The first can last up to four weeks and its most common cause is a bacterial infection, while in the second the symptoms and swelling can last up to three months and are caused by bacteria and fungi.
There is also a division subacute sinusitis, which is characterized by the fact that symptoms and inflammation occur from one to three months.
According to allergist Juan Pablo Masseli, sinusitis is often preceded by a strong flu pattern which is initially viral, but due to the accumulation of mucus in the cavities, it turns into a bacterial infection.
How do you know if you have sinusitis?
The most common symptoms of sinusitis are yellowish or green mucus and/or phlegm, nasal congestion, sneezing, headache, coughing, in some cases fever, halitosis (bad breath), and even dizziness.
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This disease can affect children and adults, so the symptoms are very similar for both.
Care
Experts say it’s important See a doctor if you have any symptomsbecause these processes require treatment with antibiotics and other drugs that only a doctor can prescribe.
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“Treatment is based on long-term use of antibiotics., nasal irrigation, use of nasal anti-inflammatory and sometimes antihistamines, but treatment is individual for each case. Many times, other tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, need to be done,” Masseli says.
May be combined with treatment put a warm compress on your nose and forehead help relieve pressure in the sinuses. You can also use a decongestant or saline solution, or inhale the steam from a bowl of hot water or from the shower.
Sinusitis can be cured with the right treatment, but can resend later by risk factors.
Risk factors
Both adults and children who allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, influenza processes, seasonal allergiessmoking and a weakened immune system may be risk factors for sinusitis.
To prevent this, it is recommended that you wash your hands regularly, follow an annual vaccination schedule that includes flu and pneumococcal vaccines, avoid close contact with people who have colds or upper respiratory infections, and keep the humidifier you use clean.